Matter of time before I get back to winning ways: Advani
He may not have won a single international title this year but ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani is not doubting his self abilities and said he just needs to improve his technique and concentration level before getting back to winning ways.
Seven-time world champion Advani said it's too early to write him off as he still have enough energy left in him to win international events.
"You can't win gold every time, even a silver is good enough. So there is nothing wrong in it that I have not won any international championship this year. I am not at all doubting my self abilities. It's just a matter of time before I get back to winning ways," Advani told PTI.
"It's just that I need to bring in some changes in technique. I need to improve my concentration level, mental and physical fitness. I still have enough energy left in me. I am working extensively to improve my fitness levels," said Advani, the first cueist ever to have achieved the "Grand Double" by winning the IBSF World Billiards Championships in timed and points format.
The last international event in which Advani appeared was the World Professional Billiards Championship in Leeds where he lost to defending champion Mike Russell of England 1012-1250 in the semi-final.
In the IBSF World Billiards Championship (Point Format) in August, former champion Advani faltered at final hurdle and went down 3-6 to ten-time World champion Russell in the summit clash in Carlow, Ireland.
In the Asian Snooker Championship held at Indore, he finished as semifinalist while in Asian Billiards Championship at Iran, he was the quarterfinalist.
As the game becomes increasingly competitive, it is essential for cueists to be at their best in terms of fitness to meet with the demanding schedule.
Elaborating on his fitness regimen, Advani said, "I have to pay close attention to resting my body, especially the lower back. I train for a couple of hours in the morning and then go back in the evening for a second session of Billiards. On days, I have gym sessions in the morning."
The 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games gold medallist will next be seen in action at the IBSF World Snooker Championship (Men Only) to be played later this month in his hometown Bangalore.
Advani said, "There will be pressure playing in front of the home crowd, but I am excited and looking forward to the event."
